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We, the undersigned, call on the University of Hawai’i System to immediately amend its policies and allow students to carry non-lethal self-defense tools, such as pepper spray and stun devices, on campus.
Across the state, crime rates present an alarming reality, particularly regarding sexual assaults. Hawai’i faces one of the highest rates of sexual violence in the nation. Students commuting to and from campus often traverse dangerous areas, and these threats do not vanish upon stepping onto university grounds. Campuses remain open spaces, accessible to the general public, further exposing students to potential harm.
While the University of Hawai’i System promises a safe learning environment, law enforcement cannot be omnipresent. When seconds matter most, students should have the ability to protect themselves. Studies have shown that in 90% of situations where a potential victim uses a non-lethal self-defense tool, the attacker is deterred, and the victim escapes without harm. This statistic underscores the life-saving potential of tools like pepper spray and stun devices in providing critical moments of safety. By denying students access to these tools, the University leaves them defenseless against potential threats, both on and off campus.
We demand that the University of Hawai’i System take immediate action to revise Executive Policy 7.208. This includes explicitly permitting non-lethal self-defense tools for personal safety, establishing clear guidelines to differentiate between offensive and defensive use, and empowering students to protect themselves during emergencies when law enforcement may not be available. These changes are essential to ensure that students have the tools they need to safeguard their well-being in the face of real-world dangers.
Current Policy: Executive Policy 7.208
Illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals on UH premises or use of any such item, even if legally possessed, in a manner that harms, threatens, or causes fear to others.
This policy’s vague language prohibits non-lethal self-defense tools like pepper spray and stun devices, leaving students vulnerable in moments of crisis. While intended to promote safety, it instead strips individuals of the ability to defend themselves against immediate threats, whether on campus or in surrounding areas.
Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin, the safety and well-being of your students depend on this change. We urge you to prioritize student safety by revising the current policy to allow non-lethal self-defense tools on all University of Hawai’i campuses.
Additionally, President Wendy Hensel, as the leader of the University of Hawai’i System, your role is critical in ensuring that this essential policy reform is implemented to protect students throughout the system.
This is not just about policy—it is about protecting lives, preventing trauma, and empowering students to focus on their education without fear. Sign this petition to stand with us in demanding safer campuses for all.
We, the undersigned, call on the University of Hawai'i System to immediately amend its policies and allow students to carry non-lethal self-defense tools, such as pepper spray and stun devices, on campus. Across the state, crime rates present an alarming reality, particularly regarding sexual assaults. Hawai'i faces one of the highest rates of sexual violence in the nation. Students commuting to and from campus often traverse dangerous areas, and these threats do not vanish upon stepping onto university grounds. Campuses remain open spaces, accessible to the general public, further exposing students to potential harm. While the University of Hawai'i System promises a safe learning environment, law enforcement cannot be omnipresent. When seconds matter most, students should have the ability to protect themselves. Studies have shown that in 90% of situations where a potential victim uses a non-lethal self-defense tool, the attacker is deterred, and the victim escapes without harm. This statistic underscores the life-saving potential of tools like pepper spray and stun devices in providing critical moments of safety. By denying students access to these tools, the University leaves them defenseless against potential threats, both on and off campus. We demand that the University of Hawai'i System take immediate action to revise Executive Policy 7.208. This includes explicitly permitting non-lethal self-defense tools for personal safety, establishing clear guidelines to differentiate between offensive and defensive use, and empowering students to protect themselves during emergencies when law enforcement may not be available. These changes are essential to ensure that students have the tools they need to safeguard their well-being in the face of real-world dangers. Current Policy: Executive Policy 7.208 Illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals on UH premises or use of any such item, even if legally possessed, in a manner that harms, threatens, or causes fear to others. This policy’s vague language prohibits non-lethal self-defense tools like pepper spray and stun devices, leaving students vulnerable in moments of crisis. While intended to promote safety, it instead strips individuals of the ability to defend themselves against immediate threats, whether on campus or in surrounding areas. President David Lassner, the safety and well-being of your students depend on this change. We urge you to prioritize student safety by revising the current policy to allow non-lethal self-defense tools on all University of Hawai'i campuses. This is not just about policy—it is about protecting lives, preventing trauma, and empowering students to focus on their education without fear. Sign this petition to stand with us in demanding safer campuses for all.